Most states have a dram shop law to deter providers of alcoholic beverages (servers, liquor stores, bars, restaurants) who sell or serve alcoholic beverages under authority of a license or permit from selling or serving alcoholic beverages to obviously intoxicated individuals.

These laws generally eliminate any liability of servers, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants when a person to whom they sell or serve alcohol causes personal injury or property damage—whether in an automobile accident, a fight, or other incident—unless the person to whom they sell or serve alcohol is obviously intoxicated.

Laws regarding dram shop liability vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Connecticut, dram shop laws are codified under Connecticut General Statutes Section 30-102. These laws hold alcohol servers and establishments liable for damages caused by intoxicated patrons if the establishment or server sells alcohol to an already intoxicated person or a minor. The law allows for a cause of action against the seller for injuries inflicted by the intoxicated person, provided the intoxication was apparent at the time of service or the person served was a minor. The statute limits the damages that can be recovered to a specific amount, which is subject to periodic adjustment. It is important for establishments that serve alcohol to be vigilant in training their staff to recognize signs of intoxication and to refuse service to individuals who appear to be intoxicated, as well as to always check identification to verify age.